From Lamb To Lion

This is a true story as recounted to me by my mom.  It really demonstrates that true courage is present in all creatures........even a lamb.

Last week on a whim, my mom purchased a lamb.  Not rack of lamb, but a real live, cute cuddly woolly lamb.  My mom named her Julia.  Reason for buying Julia?  Well.  Let's just say that Julia may  have been destined for babacue sauce at some point.  More on this later....

Anyway, Julia somehow escaped her enclosure and was reaping havoc on a near by vegetable garden.  The little lamb was out of control. 

And having a ball.  

Well, my mom eventually got a few men to corral the lamb so she could return her to her enclosure but alas, miss Julia wasn't having it.   She sidestepped the men and off she went.  Well after this happened repeatedly, the big gun was called to the site.  Enter Grover.  My aunt's Verna's mammoth size dog. 

With the command "sic em Grover", he was off. He charged full speed at Julia but Julia had a surprise for him.  She held her ground and then suddenly charged full speed at him!  Grover promptly did an 180, tucked his tail and ran as if his life depended on it with Julia hot on his heels.  It didn't help that he was howling as he ran.  Poor grover.  He jumped straight unto my aunts lap.  Only then did Julia stop chasing him.  

Needless to say, Grover has permanently ruined his macho reputation and Julia....well she will not be on anyones plate any time soon.  Lol, this lamb is a soldier.  I made a deal with mom deal to buy her freedom.  Long live Julia!

Cherio

Are You Ready For This!

About a month ago I on a whim entered a major gallery showing.  It was competition based so my sketches/ideas had to beat out numerous competitors to qualify. I sent the sketches and forgot about....that is until I got an email saying I had made the cut!  O. M. G!!!!  

And so, just like that I had a life changing opportunity in my hands.  I was so happy to finally have a major platform to express my heart through something that I love so much.  Art.   But then, I starting looking at the formidable competitors and envisioning what they might be bringing to the table and the more I did that, the more nervous and apprehensive I got.  My ideas were not coming together properly and the ones I did like soon became "not good enough".  I was second guessing myself and it was getting me nowhere.

The back and forth and vacillation between excited and overwhelmed continued until my son put an end to it.  He looked me dead in the eye and informed me "you gat this mom!".......gave me a big hug and and walked off.  Well, turns out that was all I needed.  After that I had fire in my eyes.   No matter what happened I was going to create something amazing. Something I can be proud of. 

 The first piece I made took a whole day to make but it was a little off so I scrapped it and started over from scratch.  I did not let it get me down, I just knew I could do better....... and I will.  At the moment I am working on two of the three pieces required for the show and everything is coming together quite nicely.  I am started to get excited now because I can envision/see the final product......the finish line.  I will probably have a Steve Urkel moment at the end, like "Did I do that???!" but in a really good way.  I am going to make sure of that.  

Well, back to work I go but I will be posting the pictures here when everything is finished.  Have a beautiful weekend everyone.

Cherio!

The Power and Glory of The Maxi Skirt

Believe it or not this post was inspired by the hubs.  Every time I wear this look he loves it and can't take his eyes of me and I love that.  Maxi skirts are sassy, modest, elegant and so very feminine.  And depending on how you style them, they can be sexy too.  Also, they transition well from Summer to Winter so it's a win, win situation all around. Hello!

When I say long/maxi skirt, I am not talking about pilgrim-esque fashion or "Anne get your gun" look-a-like garments. I am talking about "work it, bring it, throw it down style" that any woman would love to rock. Though, if you can pull of the "Anne" look, I have mad respect for you.  After all, it takes real confidence to go against the grain. I discovered that personally when I wore my "Lucille Ball" hoop skirt..........but hey, that's a whole other story.

 Bottom line is, long skirts are very smart buys.  They are ultra chic and versatile in both style and fabric choices which makes them able to go from casual to dressy in a snap. That is my absolute favorite thing about these skirts.

My appreciation for the maxi skirt began a long time ago at a wedding ceremony.  I had worn a long gray skirt with a sequined silver top, stilettos and belted sash at the waist.  All day long people wanted to know where I had purchased my gorgeous dress.  Of course it was not a dress but it looked like a really exclusive designer gown........minus the price tag.  Later that evening I wore the same gray skirt with flats, chunky jewelry and a tank top and viola!  One chic casual outfit if I must say so myself.  Such is the versatility of the long skirt.

I enjoy wearing my maxi skirts in Winter with boots and when it's really cold outside I just add some tights underneath.
So comfortable. 
So effortless. 
So chic.
Check out these beauties and if you don't have a maxi skirt already I see one in your future.  Real soon.

Cherio! 

Bling It On!

They say diamonds are a girl's best friend, but truth be told, we simply love bling!  Rhinestones.  Sequins. Gold. Platinum. Glitter.  Semi-precious and precious stones....

We love to get our shine on!

This time of year more than any other season, bling is not only appropriate but oh so welcome!  You can jazz up your jeans and tees with a sparkly necklace or add a handbag with some sparkle and pizzazz.  It's truly amazing how just by simply adding a little bling here and there you can totally change the look and feel of an outfit.

I personally hoard love skinny sparkly belts. Maybe a little bit too much but hey, isn't it about how the belts make me feel inside?  And let me tell you, I feel all kinds of happy and fierce when I wear them.  I do.  So, do I see more sparkly belts in my future?  A-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-l-y!

Now before I go, I have to mention that bling is one of those things that perhaps a warning should  accompany. Something like "Beware, too much bling = tacky" or "Warning: Too much bling = pimp look-a-like" But, since there is no such warning yet, let's just say, you've gone too far when you are wearing "bling" on your teeth. We've all seen it, unfortunately. Not pretty.  We all know that too much of anything, is well.....just too much.   One or two pieces of glittery/shiny accessories is enough to add interest to any ensemble. 

So ladies, lets get our bling on this Christmas.  Why?  Cause it's all kinds of fabulous!

Cherio

Chic and Wild Safari Style!

When I think of Safari style, I am always amazed by how such wild and primitive elements can become so chic, sophisticated and understated at the same time.  The mix of khaki, furs, animal prints and bold dramatic jewelry creates such a striking look.....one that I can never get enough of. Ever.

Safari style is a staple in decor and fashion. And, it has been for eons… well almost.  You can find it pretty much everywhere.  From high end furniture and couture clothing to dishes and throw cushions, the products are endless, the prices varied.

When it comes to animal prints though, a little goes a loooooooooooong way, especially in decor. Go wild but not too wild if you know what I mean.   Start small. Try adding an accent pillow, rug, or accent chair.  Stay away from too many pieces.  Trust me, I have seen what too much animal print looks like and it aint pretty.

One of the wonderful things about Safari pieces is the way they easily blend with all styles of decor and fashion. From super traditional to the contemporary, this style is so versatile. Here are some of my favorite Safari fashion and decor looks/pieces.  Take a walk on the wild side. Its hot!  Cherio

C'mon, Get Happy With Yellow!

If there is a color that embodies HAPPY, its Yellow.  I can tell you from personal experience that this is no myth.  

Years ago I had a work space that was painted a very dull and boring "oatmeal" shade of creme.  As an Artist, I just felt very uninspired and drained in that space so I decided to paint the room a warm color.  At the time I was in university and just happened to be taking a course called " The psychology of color".  It was then I discovered the many great attributes of yellow.  

The color Yellow symbolizes wisdom. It brings joy and happiness, and is a symbol of unrequited love.   It is said that people of high intellect favor yellow. Ahem... 

Try a pop of yellow in your decor to add a little drama.  With Yellow, a little goes a long way.  Monochromatic yellows work best as wall color, the brighter more concentrated yellows are very bold and may be too much on the eye.

  

Tip:  Use concentrated yellows on accent pieces.

Also balance this bright color with neutrals like gray, blue and dashes of black.  

      

Add yellow to your wardrobe for a chic modern look.. 

Just like a bright sunny day, yellow brings clarity and awareness.  Orange-yellow imparts a sense of establishment. Clean light yellow clears the mind, making it active and alert.  Tip: The shade of yellow determines its effect: Yellow-green can mean deceit, and creates a disoriented feeling.  So, exercise a little caution here.  

      Put some yellow in your life when you want:

• Relief from 'burnout', panic, nervousness, exhaustion
• Sharper memory and concentration skills
• Protection from lethargy and depression during dull weather
• Inspiration and Happiness
• Bright and airy decor
• Energy and renewal
• Stimulates Appetite

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